I only have occasional access to test drive a variety of keys but, the obvious comparisons are to the PC88 (now 2) and QS8. When purchasing I wanted something that felt like a piano and that I would be able to connect to many sounds and synths. The A-90's keys feel more like a real piano than any other synth I've ever layed my fingers into. It is heavy but not slow. I've sat down and played Steinways, Bosendorfers, Baldwins, Yamahas, Kawais, etc... and this does not feel like the cheap, old uprights you'd find in the drab practice rooms of some college, often light with very short action. It feels much more like the concert grands I've had the opportunity to play. The keys are very deep, fairly heavy, yet very fast. Some don't appreciate the benefits of these types of keys but, I feel that these qualities allow the keyboard to be much more expressive and responsive (and just plain fun to play.) The documentation makes a good starting point but, can not be considered a reference manual. Yes, it is built like a tank. Its extremely heavy and seems like I could pound on it for another century or two before it might start do decay. Reliable, definately, had it for a couple of years now, play it at LEAST an hour a day, never a problem. The sounds on the VE-RD1 that comes with the -EX version really shine when using the pianos (all versions) and rhodes. I've hooked it up to a nice monitering system and the realism of the piano sounds just blows everyone that hears them away (including myself.) There are a couple other really nice sounds but don't forget this is designed to be a controller, no GM, not alot of crazy synth sounds. (I finally got a QSR to go along with it and so far, its controlling like a charm.) Years after it was made, I still feel its the best set of (electronic/MIDI) keys out there.

Rating: 5 out of 5
posted Friday-Mar-23-2001 at 16:48

Seth
a part-time user
from USA
writes:

The A-90EX is near perfect (as keyboards go).

I have to emphasize just how GOOD the acoustic piano sound is. It is the most musically useable piano sound I have 'ever' owned. The potential in that sound is STUNNING, as far as electronic keyboards are concerned! And just think, it NEVER goes out of tune. :)

This device has added quite a bit of pleasure to my music making. And it's hard to find anything (besides the music itself) that will do that after making music for 20+ years. :) (Gadgets don't impress me like they used to, but this one did.)

If you can afford is with the PIANO card, I heavily recommend doing so.

Rating: 5 out of 5
posted Tuesday-Jan-02-2001 at 20:46

chandra0
a part-time user
from USA
writes:

I love the weighted key and the piano sounds are great. Altough, the strings and the organ could use a little work, it's well worth the money.